Jennifer Kukawski

Patient/Survivor |

Colon - Stage IV |

Age at Diagnosis: 43

February 2, 2015, my cancer was diagnosed during a gall bladder removal, the gall bladder ruptured and during cleanup of my abdomen, a lesion was discovered on my liver and biopsied. The following day I received a CT scan discovering I had a partially obstructing mass in my ascending colon. 3 weeks later I had a liver and colon resection and began chemotherapy 10 weeks later. I received a total of 10 of 12 treatments due to neuropathy side effects.

Currently I receive 9 months scans and blood work and have been NED for 10yrs.

I had no signs or symptoms of colon cancer, only an upper abdominal pain from the nodules that were present in my gall bladder.
I recognize my NED date, but I don’t celebrate it. I’m still somewhat fearful it could return.

Published On: October 3, 2025

Jennifer Kukawski

Patient/Survivor |

Colon - Stage IV |

Age at Diagnosis: 43

February 2, 2015, my cancer was diagnosed during a gall bladder removal, the gall bladder ruptured and during cleanup of my abdomen, a lesion was discovered on my liver and biopsied. The following day I received a CT scan discovering I had a partially obstructing mass in my ascending colon. 3 weeks later I had a liver and colon resection and began chemotherapy 10 weeks later. I received a total of 10 of 12 treatments due to neuropathy side effects.

Currently I receive 9 months scans and blood work and have been NED for 10yrs.

I had no signs or symptoms of colon cancer, only an upper abdominal pain from the nodules that were present in my gall bladder.
I recognize my NED date, but I don’t celebrate it. I’m still somewhat fearful it could return.

"Get up, dress up, show up!"

Jennifer Kukawski

Patient/Survivor |

Colon - Stage IV |

Age at Diagnosis: 43

February 2, 2015, my cancer was diagnosed during a gall bladder removal, the gall bladder ruptured and during cleanup of my abdomen, a lesion was discovered on my liver and biopsied. The following day I received a CT scan discovering I had a partially obstructing mass in my ascending colon. 3 weeks later I had a liver and colon resection and began chemotherapy 10 weeks later. I received a total of 10 of 12 treatments due to neuropathy side effects.

Currently I receive 9 months scans and blood work and have been NED for 10yrs.

I had no signs or symptoms of colon cancer, only an upper abdominal pain from the nodules that were present in my gall bladder.
I recognize my NED date, but I don’t celebrate it. I’m still somewhat fearful it could return.

"Get up, dress up, show up!"

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